Countdown to Christmas

You've seen the Advent Calendars in all the stores, you walk straight past them thinking to yourself what a waste of money, and if you got one how would you share it between the kids anyway, and why on earth would you want them to be eating chocolates or lollies first thing in the morning anyway?

Well, this is one of the best ideas I've seen around recently (it's not my idea, but I love it so much I want to share it with you!).

It takes no creativity, you barely need any materials or any craft skills, it's not messy, it won't up your dentist bill, it can be shared among all of your kids no matter how many you have, and best of all....it's Learning that's FUN!

So what do you need?

* 24 Books  - they can be Christmas themed or just your kids favourite stories. They can be new, used, borrowed, long, short, pictures, no pictures, whatever suits your family.

* Christmas wrapping paper - left overs from last year perhaps, add bows, ribbons, decals, whatever your heart desires to decorate the wrapping or just leave it plain.

* Sticky Tape

* Labels and a pen

All you need to do is wrap each book individually, label them and number each one counting down from 24 to 1.

To finish off you could pile them up in the shape of a Christmas Tree, hide them around the house with clues, line them up on your mantel or arrange them however you please.

Then each morning starting on December 1st let the kids unwrap one book and spend time with them reading it together. When there are no more books left the kids will know that when they wake up the next day it will be the big day, and in the mean time you will have spent some really special time doing a fun learning activity with them that will create lasting memories in your family.

If you are really keen you could slip in a party favour or a treate into each or some of the books as an extra surprise, but the simple joy of unwrapping and reading with you will plenty.

Let us know your favourite Christmas books that other parents could include?

Let the countdown begin!

For more ideas like this preview our ebook on Amazon, visit us on Facebook or check out our boards on Pinterest.

Giving the Gift of Learning

Well it's come to that time of year when everyone starts to go into panic mode and fret about what they are going to get their kids for Christmas, and what to get for their neices, nephews, cousins, friends' kids and any other children out there who you like to buy a gift for.

So here's a suggestion for you: why not try to put an educational twist on christmas presents this year?

And I know what you're thinking already. Books. Boring old books. But NO, it doesn't have to be books.

It could be board games, card games, computer games, toys, digital technology products, music, vouchers, experiences or trips with you. But whatever it is here are a few tips for you to think about while you are browsing and planning to help you put a fun learning spin on your gift giving:

1. Think about the age of the child, their abilities and what sort of areas of life they are currently learning or which skills? Are they just learning to walk & talk? Perhaps some alphabet blocks in a trolley or a talking teddy? Are they learning the alphabet and numbers, learning to read? There are some fabulous interactive ABC 123 toys in the stores. Are they learning life skills through play (eg money, cooking, building, sharing, competition etc) or learning to play an instrument etc.

2. Think about the benefits of the gift. What can they learn from it, or from playing with or using it? Can they learn obvious skills like reading and maths? But what other skills might they learn? Problem solving. Creativity. Sharing. Logic. Fitness. Spending and Saving. Artistic. Musical. And lots more.

3. Keep the child's personal interests in mind too. Do they love Thomas the Tank? If so, look at Thomas puzzles and games. Are they older and into One Direction? Look at 1D games, magazines and biographies. Do they love computer games? Check out subscriptions to online children's sites such as Moshi Monsters or Literacy Planet where kids are encouraged to complete challenges to earn points and prizes.

4. When you really get stuck, there is always the internet. Visit the Learning that's Fun Pinterest page. We've set up a pin board especially for Christmas. With Christmas related activites, and fun learning gift ideas.

If you have any of your own ideas share them with us on Facebook, we are always looking for new suggestions.

For more ideas like this and more check out Learning thats Fun on Amazon.